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PASSAIC COUNTY, N.J. -- After backing a successful shop in Paterson, the Little Caesars carryout pizza chain has signed a lease for a new store in Passaic.

Other areas open to new franchisee development include Hawthorne, Little Falls and West Milford, according to Detroit-based officials with Little Caesars.

Ed Ader, director of franchise development for Little Caesars, said potential shop owners need to prove they have $100,000 to invest initially, and that they can qualify for a $250,000 mortgage for a small storefront.

In addition to new Passaic County franchises, Little Caesars plans to open more "hot and ready" pizza stores in Bergen County, Ader told Daily Voice.

Little Caesars has a single Bergen County store. Other areas open to new franchisee development at this time include Hackensack, Ridgewood and Paramus, Ader said.

Little Caesars prides itself on providing inexpensive pizzas, selling for as little as $5 to $7 in the tri--state area.

Without a sit-down area, or the need to hire delivery drivers, fewer employees have to be hired by the shop owner. Little Caesars' central office handles all worker training and marketing for the new franchisee as well as help selecting the location and devising a business plan.

Ader said Little Caesars is the fastest-growing carryout pizza chain in the world based on the net number of stores added in 2008-2013.

The ideal franchisee is someone local who is interested in being a part of an established and well-known brand, Ader said.